Earthquake in Morocco: Marrakech shaken by a nightmarish night
The night of September 8 to 9, 2023 will remain engraved in the memory of the inhabitants of Marrakech. An earthquake of magnitude 6.8, according to the American Institute of Geophysics (USGS), struck the region, causing significant damage and causing a tragic human toll. Moroccan authorities already estimate the number of victims at more than a thousand, making this disaster one of the deadliest in the country’s recent history.
Unfortunately, Morocco is not the only country in the region to face this type of natural disaster. The north of the Maghreb, with its positioning on the border of tectonic plates, is in fact subject to regular seismic activity. According to the media Middle East Eye, an average of 50 earthquakes are recorded each month in North Africa.
While most of these earthquakes are of low magnitude and therefore imperceptible to residents, some have left an impression due to their magnitude and the damage they have left behind. Agadir, a city located in the south of Morocco and where last night’s earthquake was also felt, is a sad example.
On February 29, 1960, Agadir was devastated by an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.7. The damage was so severe that the city was almost completely destroyed and between 12,000 and 15,000 people lost their lives. This collective trauma marked the memory of the inhabitants and left an indelible mark on the city which was rebuilt little by little over the years.
Algeria, too, has experienced its share of seismic tragedies. The town of El-Asnam, renamed Chlef, was hit twice in less than thirty years. In September 1954, an earthquake killed around 1,500 people. Then, in October 1980, another earthquake claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people. Dramas which deeply marked the population and which remain engraved in memories.
More recently, in May 2003, Algeria was again hit by a devastating earthquake. The regions of Boumerdès and Algiers were the most affected, with a death toll of more than 2,200. This disaster caused a deep rift between the population and the government, which was accused of having lacked support and aid to the victims.
Faced with these recurring tragedies, it is more necessary than ever to strengthen prevention measures and awareness of seismic risks in the Maghreb region. The establishment of early warning systems, the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings and the training of populations in first aid are all essential measures to minimize human and material losses during these natural disasters.
In conclusion, the latest earthquake that hit Morocco is unfortunately the last in a long list of seismic tragedies in the Maghreb region.. It is imperative to learn from these past events and take the necessary measures to reduce the consequences of future earthquakes. International solidarity is also essential to support affected countries and help rebuild disaster areas.